The pieces are set. Kellen Moore and Tyler Shough have to make it all work now.
The hardest thing to do in the NFL is doing anything twice. The New Orleans Saints finished 2025 on a winning streak and have the look of a team ready to make noise in 2026 under Kellen Moore and Tyler Shough at quarterback. The finish to 2025 was a surprise to everyone but the Saints.
Now, the team has expectations, and you can bet they aren't sneaking up on anyone in 2026. The sample size for Shough under center isn't large, but he impressed down the stretch, especially in clutch moments. The Louisville quarterback lifted his offense at times, was hit with injuries, and Shough was unafraid in money time.
Adding Travis Etienne, Noah Fant, Jordyn Tyson, Bryce Lance, and others to join Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave, and Juwan Johnson speaks to the confidence from the organization in Shough and Moore.
Although Moore sits near the bottom of the league in PROE (-2.3%, pass rate over expected) as a play caller, the receiver group of Olave, Tyson, and Lance will help the offense remain vertical and push the ball. Could the Saints use a reliable slot receiver to go with the speed? Maybe, but all three levels can be attacked with the receivers and backfield tandem of Etienne and Kamara.
The Saints aren't going to abandon the run and become pass-heavy, but they will attack downfield more with the athletic ability of the receivers and the confidence in Shough. Attacking on the ground isn't going anywhere as long as Moore is calling the plays, but the designed shot plays may be more of a focus this season.
It doesn't feel like this Saints group needs a shifty slot receiver like Hunter Renfrow or Braxton Berrios. The pass catchers assembled are threats everywhere on the field, and with Moore's route combinations and bunches, receivers will spring all season.
The last ingredient could be a veteran receiver like Tim Patrick, or if they want to be really fun, at least pursue Stefon Diggs. Truthfully, as much as I'd like to see them go after Diggs, bringing back Cam Jordan should be priority number one. The offense will pull its weight, but games are won with closers on the defensive line.
Bringing back Jordan isn't a charity signing after his 2025 season. There is plenty left in the tank. Allow him to finish his career as a Saint and he can help New Orleans win games and compete for a division title.